Database Administrator (DBA)
| Posting date: | 06 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £47,810.00 to £54,710.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £47810.00 - £54710.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 19 February 2026 |
| Location: | Reading, RG1 5LA |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C9193-26-0090 |
Summary
1. Knowledge and Expertise SQL Server Management Regular monitoring and custom daily checks Identify inefficiencies and optimise performance Database Development: Design and implement database solutions Security and Compliance Implement strict access control, auditing, and encryption Technical Leadership: Act as the Trusts subject matter expert for SQL Server Provide technical guidance to IT colleagues Stay abreast of technological advancements 2. Financial Management Cost Control: Manage and monitor the financial aspects of the SQL Server estate Track the costs associated with database storage, hardware, and licensing Identify cost-saving opportunities Vendor Management: Ensure compliance with the Trusts procurement policies while obtaining the best possible financial outcomes. Budget Planning: Contribute to the financial planning of the IT department by providing cost forecasts for future database infrastructure needs 3. Communication and Relationships Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Build strong relationships across clinical and administrative departments Serve as the key point of contact for any database-related inquiries Complex Technical Communication: Translate highly technical information regarding database performance, security, and upgrades into accessible language for non-technical audiences Lead discussions with key stakeholders Training and Support: Provide training and mentoring to IT staff on database administration and SQL Server best practices. Develop comprehensive documentation and guidelines 4. Planning and Organisation Capacity and Performance Planning Develop and implement strategies to ensure databases can accommodate growing data volumes and increased system usage. Lead on initiatives to optimise database performance Disaster Recovery Planning: Develop and regularly test disaster recovery (DR) plans for the SQL Server environment Lead DR exercises, document outcomes, and apply improvements Upgrade and Patch Management: Plan and execute SQL Server upgrades and patches to keep the system up-to-date and secure. Ensure that upgrades are carried out with minimal disruption to the Trusts operations 5. Analytical and Judgement Skills Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting Perform root cause analysis on performance bottlenecks and system failures Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks to the SQL Server estate Provide recommendations on system improvements and cost-effective solutions Decision-Making: Use sound judgment to make critical decisions regarding system upgrades, security enhancements, and resource allocation. 6. Continuous Improvement and Service Development Process Automation: Continuously evaluate and improve database management processes Propose and implement automated solutions for tasks such as backups, monitoring, and performance tuning. Service Development: Lead the development of new database services Introduce innovative technologies and methodologies Innovation and Best Practices: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices Lead initiatives to adopt new tools and technologies that improve the Trusts database management capabilities and reduce costs. 7. Policy and Compliance Policy Adherence: Ensure all database management activities comply with NHS standards, data protection regulations, and Trust policies. Maintain detailed documentation of security protocols, access controls, and system configurations Audit and Documentation: Maintain comprehensive records of all database configurations, updates, and performance metrics. Prepare regular reports for senior management on database performance, security risks, and compliance with NHS standards.